Building a Legacy of Health and Happiness

Summer 1974. I’m 9 years old. By 7:30 am, I’m up and out of the house, or if it’s Saturday I’m up and doing exactly what my father, Big Jerry, has told me to do. Might be raking, mowing, digging holes, or washing cars.

Summer 2016. I’m tiptoeing out of the house, on my way to work, in an effort not to wake my children who will undoubtedly sleep until 11 am. They may complete a couple of the chores I’ve left in a list on the kitchen counter for them, or they may eat stale Cheez-its that were left in their rooms 3 days ago, in order to avoid the kitchen at all costs and “not see” the list.

If you haven’t noticed, we’re getting a raw deal where this parenting gig is concerned. When did adults start caring whether or not their kids were safe, happy, or popular?…

Like this:

Meet my trainer Official Sagi Kalev for today.It is Day 2 for me ofThe Master’s Hammer & Chisel and again I am shocked at the intensity of this program. Not too long ago I would have felt the discomfort and listened to the voices in my head telling me that I’m too old for all of these jumps, that walking is enough.

Enter Sagi telling me that it is worth it and I can do it. He reminds me that this is a mental game and that my body is capable. And you know what? I believe him. Even though I am struggling mightily to make it through and there are some moves that I can’t swing just yet I trust this process, I trust my trainers and I trust the group that is in place to pick me up (virtually) out of the puddle of sweat on the floor and tell me that today I did great.

Here is a link to a great article on the power of fitness buddies. Have a great workout & share it with someone!

Today I am starting new journey: I am on a mission to reclaim my health and fitness. The holidays are always a turbulent time for me and the first thing to go is my diet, closely followed by the other areas of essential self care: sleep, exercise, moderation…Each year I find it a little harder to bounce back, but this year I have tools at my disposal that I’m going to share here if that’s ok.

The first thing is to GET REAL! It takes a good long look at where you are starting from in order to see where it is realistic to go. My starting point is a scary 5 lb holiday weight gain on top of the 5 lbs put on over the course of the previous year. YIKES! While I am not on a mission to run on the beach in a bikini (yet), maintaining a heathy weight is imperative to my physical comfort, ability to move freely and maintain a positive outlook. For me, physical fitness is essential to mental heath and the ability stay in balance.

Day 1; Step 1 requires a health assessment. Weight, key measurements -because the scale LIES!- and an honest look in the mirror complete with photos. Here is how to take your measurements.

Next is the plan. I am using a new program called The Master’s Hammer & Chisel and participating in an online support group specifically for this program. Support and accountability are essential to success! The program has a nutrition guide to follow as well as a workout schedule so that part is easy.

Finally comes the daily motivation component. It takes work! Just because it is simple doesn’t mean it is easy. So motivation and inspiration are key to success, keeping the goal in front of me and getting clear on the why behind the change.

All of these key components I will be sharing here in the next 60 days. Follow along with me if you like. I would love some company! Let’s do this!

I recently came across a post in a group that I am a part of that truly spoke to me and struck a chord in my heart. I truly believe that it is our higher purpose to serve others above all else and I have wanted to do something very special for sometime. Along comes this inspiration…

October is my birth month and to honor the gift of health and vitality that has been given to me, I have decided to use those gifts and serve 31 other women in the month of October- completely and totally free of charge.

My reason for 31 is twofold; one for each day of the month and the other is for Proverbs 31. My goal is for each woman to be “clothed in strength and dignity”, laugh without fear of the future” and “make strong her arms” and with that our health, hearts and souls.

What am I offering?
100% FREE Coaching for the month of October including
– a 30 minute Getting Started Right Call to identify your big “Why”, roadblocks and plan of action
– a nutritional assessment
– health check-in
-customized meal plans
– exclusive support group and accountability partners
– Prizes
-Guest speakers

YOU have to do the hard part and decide that NOW is your time and you are worthy of the self-love and attention. I am accepting the first 31 women to declare October as their month. Is it you? Comment below with your email address and I will get you setup. Share this post with someone you love who needs a boost. There are no strings, purchases or upsells. It is my gift to you. What do you have to lose?
xoxoxo- jennifer

Good Morning & Happy Monday! Today is typically that day of the week where good intentions are set. Mondays always feel like a fresh start for me- kind of like the first day of school (which is fast approaching!) or a small New Year’s Day. I was talking with someone recently who was so frustrated and just bone-tired of starting over. I told them that it doesn’t matter HOW MANY TIMES you start again, just that you do. How many people vow to stop smoking, drinking, overeating with remorse from the weekend every Monday- so much so that they’ve come to dread Mondays? (I know I’ve been there!) But…Monday can be a WONDERFUL DAY! Don’t stop making vows to change something in your life. Every step you take forward counts. If you fall off course, dust yourself off and start again; just don’t wait for another Monday to recommit.

Here are a few tips to get you started:
1. Do something right now- the next right thing that you can think of and call that a fresh start.
2. Get an accountability partner. Connect with a supportive community.
3. Make a plan to succeed. Prep. Plan for road bumps (they will be there.)
4. Don’t let other people tell you what you are capable of following through on. Other people’s opinions of you are none of your business. REPEAT DAILY.
5. Above all else- be kind to yourself; be proud. But be accountable to YOU. Have the courage to start.

Today I decided to take a stand. Health & Wellness is my PASSION. I am often frustrated by the fact that so many people are more willing to spend their hard-earned cash on makeup or pizza or cocktails than on their own or their family’s health and well-being. I truly don’t mean to insult anyone, but after watching this today, I can’t help but ask the question “WHERE ARE OUR PRIORITIES?”

This talk was recorded in 2010, it is now 5 years later and the statistics are WORSE than ever. NJ’s obesity rate is on the rise- especially in children. In NJ, THE STATE-LEVEL ESTIMATED ANNUAL OBESITY ATTRIBUTABLE EXPENDITURES IS $4447 MILLION. (That is the latest statistic I found. It is from 2009.)

Overweight and obese individuals are at increased risk for many diseases and health chronic conditions, including the following:

Hypertension (high blood pressure)

Osteoarthritis (a degeneration of cartilage and its underlying bone within a joint)

Dyslipidemia (for example, high total cholesterol or high levels of triglycerides)

It is H-O-T outside today! I have been obsessed with iced coffee MEALS lately. This morning I was having lunch in the teacher’s lounge- we eat at 10:30am if you imagine that!-and some students came in to get icee’s out of the freezer and they looked AMAZING! Of course they offered their FAVE teachers some (we were also the only one’s in the room), I had to decline since I packed lunch and the sugar would have made me CRAZY & then CRASHING. In my jealousy this recipe was born. Why not combine lunch & a sweet treat and still do something healthy for my body?! I can’t wait to give it a try, how about you? Share with someone you think is SWEET!